VIVENDO SALENDO: settembre 2021

TURKMENISTAN TRAVEL REPORT.

TURKMENISTAN VISA

The Turkmenistan visa is not at all easy to obtain.

There are 2 types of visas: tourist visas and transit visas.

TURKMENISTAN TOURIST VISA

For the issue of a tourist visa usually valid for 10 days, in addition to the usual forms to be filled in, passport photos, ect, the presentation of an invitation letter issued by a Turkmen tourist agency and a voucher certifying the booking of services is required. at an accommodation facility.

Below I report the site and the list of Tukmene Agencies that can help you in this regard, although I tried to contact them by e_mail but only one answered me but only after a month.

http://www.botschaft-turkmenistan.at/en/tourism.htm

TOURISM AGENCIES IN TURKMENISTAN FOR VISA

DNTOURS

744000, Ashgabat, 48/1 Magtumguly Avenue

Tel.: +(99312) 270439, 270449

Fax: +(99312) 270420

Email: dntour@online.tm

Website: www.dntours.com

ATLAZ

744002, Ashgbat, 62 M.Kösäýew Street

Tel./fax: +(99312) 353748

SAADA

744000, Ashgabat, 117/18 Magtumguly Avenue

Tel./fax: +(99312) 350644, 352004

DS (Dag Syýahat)

744000, Aşgabat, 69 Azadi Street

Tel.: +(99312) 392559 390451

Fax: +(99312) 352643

AŞGABAT SYÝAHAT

744013, Ashgabat, 76 Garaşsyzlyk Avenue

Tel.: +(99312) 210557, 210556, 210558

Fax: +(99312) 210561

Email: ashgabadsiýakhat@online.tm

HARYT-SYYAHAT

744000, Ashgabat, 69 Azadi Street

Tel.: +(99312) 394519

Fax: +(99312) 390433

Email: haryt-an@mail.ru

Website: www.haryt-siyakhat.com

AHAL SYYSHAT

74400, Aşgabat, 60A Görogly Street

Tel.: +(99312) 349128, 349129, 400407

Fax: +(99312) 349131

Email: ahaltravel@online.tm

LEBAP SYYSHAT

74400, Türkmenabat, 12 Altyn-kok Street

Tel.: +(993422) 61051, 61486

Fax: +(993422) 44288

Email: lebapsyyahat@online.tm

Once you have obtained the invitation letter and the tourist voucher, you must submit all the documentation to the Turkmen Consulate in Paris which will issue you the tourist visa in 2 or 3 days.

Once you arrive in Turkmenistan at the border, if you want to enter the country, the Guide of your choice must show up and accompany you for the entire period of your stay. Without it you cannot enter the country.

You also have to pay it at least $ 100 per day in addition to food, accommodation, transport, etc.

It is logical to think that if you are a lonely low-cost traveler like me it is unthinkable to think about this type of visa. On the other hand, it is more feasible if you are a large group of people who share the aforementioned expenses thus significantly amortizing the trip.

However, since it is very difficult to obtain a do-it-yourself tourist visa, an Italian agency that can help you in this regard is this:

EUROEST TRAVEL by Intelservizi S.r.l

OPERATIONAL CONSULTING AND SERVICES FOR COMPANIES

Via Marche 74, 00187 Rome - Tel. 0699925957/58 Fax: 06233298811

VAT number and Tax Code: 11537081009

E_MAIL: info@intelservizi.it

TURKMENISTAN TRANSIT VISA

This is the only way to enter the country for low cost travelers like me.

The transit visa is issued for a fixed period of 3 to 5 days at the discretion of the issuing Embassy or Consulate.

It identifies the exact period in which you will have to enter the country and the name of the border of entry and exit.

You will have to adhere to this information by staying on the path between the 2 borders, in order not to run into problems with the police.

The transit visa is not usually issued if you have an Uzbek double-entry visa and if the next country after Turkmenistan is Kazakhstan.

For those who do not travel in a hurry like me, it is logical to obtain it in IRAN at the Turkmen Embassy / Consulate in Tehran or Mashhad which, after completing the various forms, hand over the 2 passport photos, ect. they issue it to you without too many problems (for a stay of 3 or 5 days) in 10 days with the normal procedure and 5 days with the urgent one, which is much more expensive.

Same thing happens in Baku in Azerbaijan, but in this case it is more complex and expensive to obtain an Azerbaijani visa than the Iranian visa and then the Turkmen stretch to cross is much longer, compared to the one you have to face entering from Iran and not. 5 days of validity of the visa could be enough.

Ditto in Ankara in Turkey.

For those like me, on the other hand, due to time problems, who are forced to take a visa in Italy before leaving, they face enormous difficulties as the Turkmen Embassy or Consulate is not in Italy and the competent one is that of Paris.

Turkmen Embassy in Paris, France

13, rue Picot, F-75116, Paris, France

Phone: +33 (1) 47550536

Fax: +33 (1) 47550568

E_MAIL: turkmenambkons@orange.fr

However, the required documentation resulting from the emails below must be delivered in person or by a travel agency:

E_MAIL N 2 TURKMEN EMBASSY IN PARIS

DEAR, Both - the application and questionnary forms - are attached hereto.

to Apply for a visa you need to submit all the papers in person or you can enjoy the services of visa agencies in France or Italy

(visa transit, visa expres, v.s.i. or others )

Yes, The invitation letter may be sent to your e-mail address.

Yes. You can obtain your visa on your passport at the airport or border on the date of arrival with the submission of the LOI.

Regards,

MY E_MAIL N 2:

> De : "monteorsaro@libero.it"

> A : turkmenambkons@orange.fr

> Copie à :

> Objet :

Thank you so much.

What is the questionnary?

Can you send me the form x questionnary?

Can I get the Transit Visa also I came in TKM by taxi and Publich Trasport?

Can I send all documents by e_mail or by corrier?

Can you send me the invitation by email?

Thank you so much.

Riccardo

E_MAIL N 1 TURKMEN EMBASSY IN PARIS

> Dear Mr Riccardo,

> to apply for a transit visa (TR)

> you need to submit (max - 2 or 3 months or min - 2 weeks before your travelling)

> - copies of visas to the countries you anter to and exit from TKM,

> - a motivation letter (describing in details your rout from enter-point to exit-point in TKM).

> - visa application form (x2)

> - questionnary (x1)

> - 3x4 sized photoes (x3)

> - copy of your passports,

> - insurance for your transport (cars, motorbike) for the period of your stay in TKM,

Application should be submitted inperson.

No charges when submitting your application.

Payment is done at the border on the date of entry.

> AFTER BEING ISSUED AN INVITATION you may go directly to the border - enter-check-point and

> have your visas on your passport at the border on the date of your entry to TKM

> TR visa is issued max to 4 or 5 days.

> OR

> you may contact with one of the tour agencies in TKM for touris visas (TU) (for a duration of more than 5 days)

> and they will do all necessary things and send you an Invitation letter which you submit at the border.

>You just need to ask them to exculde the services you do not need.

> Regards,

> Mr Ahmetyar KULOV

> Service Consulair

> Ambassade du Turkmenistan en France

MY E_MAIL N 1:

> A : turkmenamb@orange.fr, turkmenambkons@orange.fr

Good Day,

I’m Riccardo from Italy.

I’d like to go Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgystan and Kazakhstan.

I’d like to cross Turkmenistan from Iran to Uzbekistan.

Can I get a Transit Visa?

What documents must I send to your Ambassy?

How much this service cost?

Can I pay by the bank transfer.

Thank you so much for answer.

> Regards

Riccardo

So I had to contact an Italian agency specialized in Central Asia visas, such as EUROEST TRAVEL of Intelservizi Srl, OPERATIONAL CONSULTING AND SERVICES FOR ENTERPRISES, Via Marche 74, 00187 Rome - Tel. 0699925957/58 Fax: 06233298811, VAT number and Tax Code: 11537081009, E_MAIL: info@intelservizi.it

But who cut my legs by writing me these emails:

E_MAIL N. 2 OF INTELSERVIZI

WE ALSO SPEAKED WITH THE CONSULATE OF VIENNA AND BERLIN THERE ARE PEOPLE VERY AVAILABLE BUT WHEN THEY ASK US FOR CITIZENSHIP FOR TERRITORIAL SUDDIVISON, THEY TELL US THAT THE CONSULATE OF COMPETENCE IS THE ONE OF PARIS, THIS YEAR WE WOULD ALSO MANDO A COLLABORATE OF NECESSARY FIND A SOLUTION.

AT THE MOMENT WE HAVE TO RELY ON THE CONSULATE OF PARIS.

FOR THE TAJIKISTA, IT WOULD MAKE YOU DO IT BEFORE YOU GO TO SAFELY HAVE THE GBAO PERMIT FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION.

E_MAIL N. 1 MIA

x TURKMENISTAN is not it better to get a transit visa in VIENNA?

Do you also take a visa for Tajikistan?

Thanks

Riccardo

E_MAIL N. 1 OF INTELSERVIZI

From: info@intelservizi.it

TURKMENISTAN CAN BE MADE DIRECTLY IN TURKEY IN ANKARA CALL THEM FIRST, THEN I WILL GIVE YOU FURTHER INFORMATION, WE CAN OFFER IT AS A SERVICE AT THE PARIS CONSULATE BUT WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THE ISSUE OF THE TRANSIT VISA, UNFORTUNATELY WE CAN ATTEND IT TO TURKMENISTAN TRY US BUT WE CANNOT GIVE THE GUARANTEE THAT ISSUING THE TRANSIT VISA.

PASSPORT VALID FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS.

2 PHOTOS 4X3 CARD FORMAT.

2 VISA APPLICATION FORMS + APPOINTMENT LETTER THAT I SEND YOU IN ATTACHMENT.

HEALTH INSURANCE THAT COVERS DURING THE STAY.

DECLARATION OF EACH PERSON WHERE IT MUST DECLARE IN FRENCH THE REASON FOR THE TRIP AND THE PRECISE ITINEARY WITH THE ENTRY AND EXIT BORDERS.

BEFORE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION, YOU MUST HAVE THE ENTRY AND EXIT VISA OF THE NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES.

PROCESSING TIMES 20 DAYS.

IF THE TRANSIT VISA IS NOT ACCEPTED AND IF IT IS NOT ACCEPTED, I REQUEST THE TOURIST PACKAGE.

TOTAL COST € 125, PLUS € 100 FLAT EXPENSES FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING.

So I looked for travel agencies in Paris that did this service and I found 2:

D. Sachs

169, Bd Voltaire – B.P. 49

92603 Asnieres Cedex

TEL. 0033 (0) 1 40 86 53 00 oder 01

www.dsachs.fr

contact@dsachs.fr

Visa Travel International

Adresse : 118 Rue Lauriston

75116 PARIS

E-mail : contact@visatravel.fr

Téléphone : 08.92.68.69.50

Fax : 01.47.04.16.09

http://www.visatravel.fr/

FROM THE SITE OF ONE OF THE 2 YOU CAN SEE THE LIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED, THE COSTS AND TIMES.

DA: http://www.dsachs.fr/

Turkménistan

Consulat du Turkménistan

13, rue Picot

75116 Paris

Tel : 01 47 55 05 36

Fax : 01 47 55 05 68

Modalités d’obtention d’un visa

Si vous êtes de nationalité française, vous avez besoin d’un visa.

Documents à fournir :

Visa Affaire

• Passeport ayant une validité de 3 mois après le retour.

• 2 Photocopies du passeport (4 premières pages + celle où figure l’adresse).

• 2 Formulaires dûment remplis et signés.

• 2 Photos d’identité identiques récentes 3,5 x 4,5 (pas de photocopie ou de photo scannée).

• Lettre de société ( ou lettre de mission, voir modèle ), précisant pa prise en charge de tous les frais de voyage, séjour et assurance.

• Invitation du correspondant visée par le Servide d’Etat Turkmène d’enregistrement des ressortissants étrangers.

• Attestation d’Assurance « Rapatriement et frais médicaux ».

• Carte de séjour + photocopie pour les étrangers résidents en France.

Visa Tourisme :

• Passeport ayant une validité de 3 mois après le retour.

• 2 Photocopies du passeport (4 premières pages + celle où figure l’adresse).

• 2 Formulaires dûment remplis et signés.

• 2 Photos d’identité identiques récentes 3,5 x 4,5 (pas de photocopie ou de photo scannée).

• 2 Photos de l’enfant mineur figurant sur le passeport d’un parent et participant au voyage.

• Photocopie du billet d’avion aller-retour ou continuation.

• Réservation d’hôtel certifié par le Ministère des affaires étrangères au Turkménistan, et confirmé au Consulat, ou « bon d’échange » touristique, ou « invitation d’une société touristique » au Turkménistan visée par le Servide d’Etat Turkmène d’enregistrement des ressortissants étrangers.

• Attestation d’Assurance « Rapatriement et frais médicaux ».

• Carte de séjour + photocopie pour les étrangers résidents en France.

Visa Privé :

• Passeport ayant une validité de 3 mois après le retour.

• 2 Photocopies du passeport (4 premières pages + celle où figure l’adresse).

• 2 Formulaires dûment remplis et signés.

• 2 Photos d’identité identiques récentes 3,5 x 4,5 (pas de photocopie ou de photo scannée).

• 2 Photos de l’enfant mineur figurant sur le passeport d’un parent et participant au voyage.

• Photocopie du billet d’avion aller-retour ou continuation.

• Certificat d’hébergement délivré par le Servide d’Etat Turkmène d’enregistrement des ressortissants étrangers.

• Attestation d’Assurance « Rapatriement et frais médicaux ».

• Carte de séjour + photocopie pour les étrangers résidents en France.

Visa Transit (5 jours maximum) :

• Passeport ayant une validité de 3 mois après la sortie du Turkménistan.

• 2 Photocopies du passeport (4 premières pages + celle où figure l’adresse).

• 2 Formulaires dûment remplis et signés.

• 2 Photos d’identité identiques récentes 3,5 x 4,5 (pas de photocopie ou de photo scannée).

• 2 Photos de l’enfant mineur figurant sur le passeport d’un parent et participant au voyage.

• Photocopie du billet d’avion aller-retour ou continuation.

• Visa valide (si nécessaire) pour le pays de destination après le séjour au Turkménistan.

• Attestation d’Assurance « Rapatriement et frais médicaux ».

• Carte de séjour + photocopie pour les étrangers résidents en France.

Transit visa (maximum 5 days):

Passport with a validity of three months after the issuance of Turkmenistan.

2 photocopies of the passport (first 4 pages + the street address).

2 forms duly completed and signed.

2 recent 3.5 x 4.5 identical passport-size photos (not a photocopy or scanned photo).

2 photos of the minor in the passport of a traveling and participating parent.

Photocopy of the return or onward flight ticket.

Valid visa (if needed) to the country of destination after living in Turkmenistan.

Insurance certificate "repatriation and medical expenses."

Residence card + photocopy for foreign residents in France.

Délais:

• Délai normal: 5 à 8 jours.

• Délai express: 3 days.

Attention: the Consulat n’est ouvert que le Lundi et le Jeudi from 10 h to 12 h.

Frais Consulaires:

Type de visa 1 entrée Délai normal 1 entrée Délai express Entrées multiples Délai normal Entrées multiples Délai express

Visa de 10 jours 35 € 55 € / /

Visa de 20 jours 45 € 75 € / /

Visa of 1 mois 55 € 95 € 75 € 135 €

Visa de 2 mois 85 € 155 € 115 € 215 €

Visa de 3 mois 115 € 215 € 155 € 295 €

Visa de Transit 35 € 55 € / /

Validity:

• De 10 jours à 3 mois selon le visa demandé.

• 5 jours pour le visa de transit.

Honoraires de prize en charge for the obtention du visa:

• Variables selon les pays et l'urgence de l'obtention, nous consulter.

But they don't reply to emails even those written in French and I don't call them because I don't speak French.

So I change my strategy and turn to:

Turkmen Embassy in Brussels, Belgium

Ave. Franklin Roosevelt 106, B-1050

Brussels, Belgium

Phone: +32 (2) 6481874 or 6481929

Fax: +32 (2) 6481906

Email: turkmenistan@skynet.be

But they reply saying that I have to go to the Embassy in Paris.

So I change my strategy and turn to:

Turkmen Embassy in Vienna, Austria

Argentinierstr. 22, 2EG

1040 Vienna, Austria

Phone: (+ 43-1) 5036470/2

Fax: (+ 43-1) 5036473

Email: turkmen.emb@aon.at, turkmenistan.botschaft@chello.at

But they don't reply to my email.

So I change my strategy for the umpteenth time and finally I am impressed and I am able to obtain a transit visa at the following agency in Vienna:

Visum4you

Mag. Andreas Schlichtner

Geschäftsführer Visum4you

T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11

M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75

F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90

E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at

Web: www.visum4you.at

FN 331079 g

ATU65090518

532 / 5000

Risultati della traduzione

In the interminable email conversation with the very efficient Visum4you agency in Vienna, which lasted over a month and reported below, the fact of how many difficulties there were to obtain this transit visa valid for 5 days is highlighted. In fact, at a certain point the Agency itself says that the Turkmen Embassy does not want to release it and sends me to Paris, but then, after my pressure, a work of convincing the Agency makes him change his mind and exceptionally I manage to obtain the VISA after so much effort:

EMAIL N. 8 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA

Oggetto: AW: AW: AW: AW: AW:

Da: Andreas Schlichtner (a.schlichtner@visum4you.at)

A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>

Allegati: 2 file Visualizza Salva tutto

visa_Riccardo.pdf (263.0 KB); Rechnung 18143_Riccardo_Visum4you.pdf (30.5 KB);

Dear Riccardo,

good news: we have both visa! You can see them as attachment.

I am attaching the invoice. Please send a bank transfer confirmation.

We will send by DHL as soon as you send the payment confirmation. Is this ok?

EMAIL N. 7 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA

Dear Riccardo,

by exception the consulate of Turkmenistan in Vienna will issue your visa. Please send your passport and other documents by DHL to:

Visum4you Stadtbüro, Mag. Andreas Schlichtner, Rennweg 79 81/3. Stock/Top 314 315, 1030 Wien

Tel 0043 1 974 39 82

Andreas Schlichtner

T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11

F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90

E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at

Web: www.visum4you.at

FN 331079 g, ATU65090518

MY EMAIL N. 6

Oggetto: R: AW: Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan without PAMIR Highway and Transit VISA Turkmenistan.

Da: monteorsaro@libero.it (monteorsaro@libero.it)

A: <office@visum4you.at>

Good day.

Before I must get the Turkmenistan VISA, without the VISA Turkmenistan I can not go to Tadschiksitan .

I try with D.Sachs

Thank you

Riccardo

EMAIL N. 6 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA

Oggetto: AW: Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan without PAMIR Highway and Transit VISA Turkmenistan.

Da: Visum4you AT Office (office@visum4you.at)

A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>

Allegati: 1 file Visualizza

Frankreich_Visumagentur.docx (17.0 KB);

Dear Riccardo,

We have some difficulties with your application to Turmenistan – the consulate wants that we submit in France (in Summer last year we organized many applications for Italians, but however – but the competence changed.)

We can only organize Tatschikistan in Vienna.

Please contact D.Sachs, a visa agency in France (contact details are given attached)

You can send the passport vor Tatschikistan visa, you get in contact with D.Sachs and we send the passport to France after the Tatschikistan visa is issued.

Mag. Andreas Schlichtner

Geschäftsführer Visum4you

T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11

M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75

F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90

E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at

Web: www.visum4you.at

FN 331079 g

ATU65090518

MY EMAIL N. 5

Von: monteorsaro@libero.it [mailto:monteorsaro@libero.it]

An: Visum4you AT Office

Betreff: I: Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan without PAMIR Highway and Transit VISA Turkmenistan.

Good day if you conferm today my ask, I send all original documents and passport tomorrow.

Thank you so much.

Riccardo

MY EMAIL N. 4

----Messaggio originale----

A: <office@visum4you.at>

Ogg: Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan without PAMIR Highway and Transit VISA Turkmenistan.

Good day.

Thank you so much for all.

I’m sending by e-mail follow scan papers filled and signed with photography for get Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan withoutPAMIR Highway:

• Personal letter Tourism Tadschikistan

• Visa application form in English Tadschikistan.

Can I send tomorrow (at follow addres: Visum4you Stadtbüro, Mag. Andreas Schlichtner Rennweg 79-81/3, Stock/Top 314-315, 1030 Wien -Austria) all Original papers (for Transit VISA Turkmenistan and Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan) and my passport by courier or I must wait the Approval Turkmenistan Ambassy?

While we take the Approval Turkmenistan Ambassy Can you get the Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan?

I attached covering letter with a list of all the documents that I will send by courier tomorrow if you want. Can you check if it is okay?

Thank you so much

Riccardo

EMAIL N. 5 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA

Oggetto: AW: AW: Transit VISA Turkmenistan.

Da: Visum4you AT Office (office@visum4you.at)

A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>

Dear Riccardo,

it can be 2 weeks but sometimes it is faster or longer. Anyway, the visa has to be stamped into the passport after the approval and you told me that you want to apply for Tatschikistan as well. I will inform you upon the approval – as soon as I get a notification from the consulate.

EMAIL N. 4 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA

Oggetto: AW: Transit VISA Turkmenistan.

Da: Visum4you AT Office (office@visum4you.at)

A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>

Dear Riccardo,

I applied today for the approval Turkmenistan.

I put our stamp and my signature on the form 701.

EMAIL N. 3 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA

Oggetto: AW: AW:

Da: Visum4you AT Office (office@visum4you.at)

A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>

Dear Riccardo,

just send the Turkmenistan papers by e-mail as soon you have all these papers.

You must not pay in advance. I suggest, we send the invoice as soon as we have finished 1 visa.

When does your trip begin?

Mag. Andreas Schlichtner

Geschäftsführer Visum4you

T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11

M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75

F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90

E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at

Web: www.visum4you.at

FN 331079 g

ATU65090518

MY EMAIL N. 3

Von: monteorsaro@libero.it [mailto:monteorsaro@libero.it]

An: Visum4you AT Office

Betreff: R: AW:

Ok, I'm getting the VISA for Usbekisatn.

I'm preparing paper for send you by email for get the Transit Visa for Turkmenistan e Tourist VISA for Tagikistan Without Pamir.

I must pay this ammont:

Consular fee Turkmenistan: € 55,00

Tadschikistan € 80,00 without pamir

Our fee: € 60,00 net per visa

Bank fee: € 9,00 net

DHL: € 45,00 net

Is it the total 309 Euro?

Must I pay before to send the paper scan?

Can you give me the Iban code for bank transfer

thank you so much

Riccardo

EMAIL N. 2 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA

Da: office@visum4you.at

A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>

Ogg: AW:

Dear Riccardo,

For Turkmenistan:

I don’t sure of one thing: I’m Italian Citizen. Can I Ask the Visa at Vienna Ambassy or I must Ask the Visa at Paris Ambassy? We had Italian customers last year and it was ok.

Do we need a copy of your befor country Iran as a scan? Only the copy of the visa after Turkmenistan

For Tadschikistan I don’t you need the PAMIR Highway VISA.

How much Does The consolar fee visa cost wit out Pamir? Without Pamir it is € 80,00

Mag. Andreas Schlichtner

Geschäftsführer Visum4you

T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11

M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75

F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90

E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at

Web: www.visum4you.at

FN 331079 g

ATU65090518

MY EMAIL N. 2

Thank you so much.

I have any questions:

For Turkmenistan:

I don’t sure of one thing: I’m Italian Citizen. Can I Ask the Visa at Vienna Ambassy or I must Ask the Visa at Paris Ambassy?

Do we need a copy of your befor country Iran as a scan?

For Tadschikistan I don’t you need the PAMIR Highway VISA.

How much Does The consolar fee visa cost wit out Pamir?

Thank you so much.

Good day

Riccardo

EMAIL N. 1 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA

Da: office@visum4you.at

A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>

Ogg: AW:

Dear Riccardo,

we can help.

For Turkmenistan send me everything by e-mail. The visa request has to be approved. Later we need your passort. Approval takes about 2 weeks. Later we have the visa in 1 – 2 days.

The file 101_201 must be sent to us in a MS word format. Make scans of the other forms. Fill in very precisely!!! The form „visaantrag Turkmenistan we need 2 times. The other forms only once. No invitation letter but we need a copy of your follow up country Usbekisatn as a scan. We need your mobile phone number. Attach fotos to the forms where applicable. Later you have to send your passport and all forms in original version, but to start we need everything scanned per e-mai.

Tadschiksitan takes 2 weeks or 1 week express. Do you need the PAMIR Highway? We need 1 form, 1 photo, 1 personal letter.

Consular fee Turkmenistan: € 55,00

Tadschikistan € 120 with pamir and plus 50% for express

Our fee: € 60,00 net per visa

Bank fee: € 9,00 net

DHL: € 45,00 net

We accept only payments in advance.

Mag. Andreas Schlichtner

Geschäftsführer Visum4you

T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11

M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75

F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90

E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at

Web: www.visum4you.at

FN 331079 g

ATU65090518

EMAIL N. 1 MIA

Von: monteorsaro@libero.it [mailto:monteorsaro@libero.it]

An: Visum4you AT Office

Betreff:

Good day,

I’m Riccardo from Italy.

I’d like to go from Theran in Iran to Almaty crossing Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tagikistan, KYRGYZSTAN, KAZAKHTAN.

I take the VISA for IRAN, KYRGYZSTAN, Uzbekistan E KAZAKHTAN in Italy.

Can you get for me Transit Visa for Turkmenistan e Tourist VISA for Tagikistan (5 days)?

How much this service?

How long this service?

Can you conferm me that I don’t need the inviting letter for Transit Visa for Turkmenistan?

Thank you so much.

Riccardo

TRAVEL REPORT

The Iranian border opens at 7.30 am and between various waits, quick check of my backpack, verification of my passport in less than an hour, without problems I get the stamp to leave the country.

The Turkmenistan border is just over 50 meters away. walk from the Iranian one. The staff are friendly and speak English but waiting times are long. First of all at the counter, having a transit visa valid for 5 days, they ask me exactly the route I will take and the hotels and addresses of where I will sleep and they write it down on a sheet. Then I go into another room where I feel a fever. Then I have to wait for some time for the Lady who in another room makes me pay the immigration tax of $ 12 (they do not accept any other currency) who gives me a stamped receipt.

Then I went back to the 1st counter where the employee has to stamp my passport. But after a long wait, he points out to me that the round stamp on the Turkmen visa is missing in the passport and therefore they keep me waiting another hour because in the meantime they call the Embassy in Vienna that issued it to me and ask for an explanation. Having clarified that it was a mistake by the Turkmen Embassy in Austria, they affix it to me along with the entry stamp to the country.

Then you have to pass your baggage through the metal detector. There is an endless line of Turkmen women with tons of goods and luggage, but kindly, since I only have a small backpack with me, they let me pass in front of me.

Finally, the staff opens my backpack to check the contents inside. After this last check, here I am in Turkmenistan. The whole procedure described above lasted about 3 hours.

In Turkmenistan my Nokia 30 Euro mobile phone works.

From the square just outside the Customs Office, a Minivan Shuttle frequently leaves and takes you after 20 km downhill in the middle of the mountains in about 20 minutes to the Turkmen checkpoint where you need to register. The cost of this trip is $ 10 or Manat 30.

From there you have to take a private taxi that takes you to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, whose outskirts are only 7 km from here. I negotiated the $ 7 price to take me to the Milly Museum.

It is very difficult to navigate around Ashgabat. Compared to a few years ago, everything has changed, even the names of the streets and the 2008 map of the Lonely Planet Book is largely outdated. Even the monuments have been moved: for example, the Arch of Neutrality has been moved from the center to the southwestern outskirts of the city.

Very few speak English and taking the buses is not easy because you never know where you are going. However, a ride costs 20 cents of Manat and is paid to the driver before getting off.

Having visited the city with difficulty, from the train station I took a taxi which took me in about 10 minutes, at the price of 5 Manat, to the pitch located east of the city, where collective taxis leave for Mary. In the end he wanted 10 of Manat but after a long discussion with gestures I gave him only 5 as he has already given me a great jab like that.

The collective taxi from Ashgabat to Mary takes about 5 hours to cover the approximately 400 km that separate the 2 cities. The roads are beautiful only in a few places. Otherwise they are full of holes, hollows and work in progress. The young taxi driver who did not speak a word of English asked me to Ashgabat 30 Manat to cover this route, but then once we got to Mary he asked me for 100 of Manat.

Logically, I strongly imposed myself on this cheating of him and I made him understand with gestures that at most I could give 50 manat, but he insisted badly.

He made endless phone calls, passed me strange characters who spoke English on the phone and finally turned to the police.

In the end, after an hour with a terrible nervousness, I decided to give them to him for these reasons:

• In the end I'm in Turkmenistan and I don't want to end the rest of my days there for a stupid thing;

• He can very well explain his reasons for him to whoever he wants and also to the Police while I can't because I don't speak Russian.

• 11 pm was approaching dangerously, the time when anyone found on the street is arrested by the Turkmen police.

In the end he left very happy with his 100 Manat, while I insulted him in Italian, aware of having made the cheat of his life, also because it will be very difficult for him to find another tourist who passes by since in Turkmenistan do-it-yourself tourism is practically zero.

It should be emphasized that on the roads of Turkmenistan, there are frequent fixed police checkpoints, at least every 50 km, where one is forced to stop at the stop sign, where there is a camera. Then, if the police do not decide to check you, you can go on calmly.

In Mary I slept at the Hotel Sanjar located in Mollanepes Sayoli n. 58, at 100 mt. from the train and bus stations, at a price of $ 25 for a double. There are no single rooms. They only accept Dollars for foreigners like me. The Hotel is Soviet-style, old with terrible bathrooms but centrally located. The staff doesn't speak a word of English.

From Mary's Bus Station, located near the railway station, at 7.00 am I take the bus that takes me in about 1 hour to the small town of Bayram Aly for the price of 0.80 Manat. I do the ticket on the bus.

Arrived in the center of Bayram Aly I strongly contracted a private taxi which offers to take me around for half a day to the vast Archaeological Site of Merv, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, at the price of 25 Manat. Logically, the taxi driver also accepts US Dollars.

Admission to the Archaeological Site of Merv is free of charge while you pay 11 manat for the entrance to the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.

Back in Bayram Aly I go to the Bus Station, located in the center, where I understand that there are only 2 buses a day to Turkmenabat (1 early in the morning and 1 in the afternoon at 14.00) and since I am in a hurry I take near the Bus Station, a collective taxi at a cost of 20 Manat. The same starts when the 4 places available are filled. I stay in the front seat because it is logical that I am the one who paid the most. The scarce 300 km in the middle of the Repetek Desert on potholed roads with continuous police checkpoints are covered in about 3 hours. The honest taxi driver leaves me behind the railway station.

From the Turkmenabat Railway Station, frequent 9-seater collective taxis leave when they are full for the country of Farab, about 20 km away, at the price of 5 Manat, but for those who want to reach the Farab border on the border with Uzbekistan must take one presumably, as I did, one that will take you in about 40 minutes to the border that is 45 km from Turkmenabat. For this trip I got a price of 16 Manat. Logically, the taxi driver also accepts the US dollar.

SURINAME TRAVEL REPORT.

FIRST PART

I therefore arrive at 12.45 (Suriname is one hour ahead of Guyana), at the South Drain border. Make sure you are one of the first to get off the ferry to avoid a long wait at border control.

To enter Suriname for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 60 days, it is necessary to obtain a visa by applying for it to: Embassy of the Republic of Suriname # 200 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt - 1050 Brussels - Belgium, by sending the following documents by courier:

1. Original Passport;

2. One copy of the Passport;

3. A complete filled out visa application form;

4. Copy of plane ticket;

5. Copy of Hotel reservation in Suriname;

6. Two photo;

7. Travel Itinerary;

8. Copy bank transfer of Euro € 54.20 (multiple entry two (2) months € 47.20 + applying through mail fee (secured mail EXTRA € 7, within Europe)):

Account: Embassy of the Republic of Suriname

Account number: 210 0625013 94

IBAN code: BE87 2100 6250 1394

BIC code: GEBABEBB

Keep in mind that if there are no problems, the visa is issued in a single day and the passport, paying an extra 7 Euro, is retransmitted by courier to the address you specified;

At the South Drain river border, you have to fill in 2 forms and then they stamp your passport and finally they check your baggage.

Keep in mind that in Suriname, being a former Dutch colony, everyone speaks Dutch and many also English and that almost all tourists or students are Dutch.

Keep in mind that in Suriname, many taxi drivers, hotels and travel agencies accept the euro, although in my opinion it is better to always pay Surinamese Florins (SRG), as the exchange rate applied by them is often disadvantageous.

Keep in mind that at the South Drain river border, it is not possible to change money, but that there are several exchange counters, open until late in the evening in the center of Parammaribo.

Outside the ferry and Customs terminal, various means of transport, shared taxis and minibuses await you to Nieuw Nickerie and Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname.

The best solution is to take the minibus to Paramaribo which for the price of 70 SRG, in about 3 hours and 30 ', takes all passengers, first to change money in Paramaribo (for those who need it) and then in front of the Hotel or address you desired. It starts when full.

In Paramaribo I slept at Guesthouse Un Pied-à-Terre located 1 km north of the historic center in Costerstraat 59, Telephone: +597470488, for the price of 18 Euros, for a single room, including wifi and free computer use.

In the center of Paramaribo, whose historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you can easily walk alone until 10 in the evening. Beyond this time it is better to move on foot.

To go to French Guiana you must first reach the border town Albina and to do so you can take Bus (9 SRG) and minibus (30 SRG) or collective taxis (70 SRG) departing from Paramaribo, but keep in mind that on Sunday morning to For example, or in other circumstances there are only collective taxis that depart from a pitch on the outskirts of the capital, reachable by taxi at the price of 8 SRG (5 minutes).

Collective taxis usually depart from Paramaribo when they are full and arrive at the Albina Customs Office after about 2 hours. The fare is 70 SRG.

Get the Suriname exit stamp and board a small motor boat that crosses the Marowijne River in 10 minutes. The same part very frequently, only in daylight, even with only one passenger for the price of 50 SRG. The fare is fixed and does not change according to the number of passengers.

SECOND PART

I therefore return to Albina, in Suriname where, after completing the appropriate entry form, I have the entry stamp placed in the country.

To go to Paramaribo you can take Bus (9 SRG) and minibus (30 SRG) or collective taxi (70 SRG) departing from the Albina river border post, but keep in mind that on Sunday morning for example or in other circumstances only collective taxis are in operation.

Shared taxis usually leave Albina when they are full (mine left with only 3 people on board) and arrive in Paramaribo after about 2 hours if there is not too much traffic in the capital. The fare is 70 SRG. You pay when you get off. If you are as lucky as I was, the same door in front of your hotel or at the address you want without any additional cost.

In Paramaribo I slept the first night at Guesthouse De Kleine Historie (booked through booking), located in Mr. Dr. J.C. De Mirandastraat 8, in the historic center - Phone: +597 521 007, for the price of 79 SRG (they also accept Euros), for a bed in a dormitory, including wifi and free breakfast.

In Paramaribo I slept the second and third night at Zus & Zo Hotel, located in Grote Combèweg, in front of Palmentuin, at a price of 17 Euros (they also accept SRG) per night, for a double room, including free wifi. Bikes for hire are also available here.

If from Paramaribo you want to make a day excursion to Brownsberg Nature Reserve independently, keep in mind that a very difficult task: you have to go early in the morning to Saramacastraat, west of the Central Market, where minibuses and collective taxis leave for Djumu when they are full which also stop on request in Brownsberg. (50 SRG, 1 hour and a half).

The minibus, at your express request, will leave you at the crossroads for Brownsberg Nature Reserve. From here there are still 15 km to go in the middle of the forest, a dirt road with gigantic holes that becomes impassable after heavy rains. So it is necessary to ask for a paid ride to someone from the Village or, as I did, to stock a ride to someone going to the park.

Entrance to Brownsberg Nature Reserve costs 20 SRG. From the park it is possible to enjoy a wide view of Lake Brokopondo and make excursions of 50 minutes or an hour and a quarter to two beautiful waterfalls.

From Brownsberg Nature Reserve, to return to Paramaribo, you have to follow the reverse procedures to those above, bearing in mind that the Park Guards are available to take you to Brownsberg for 100 SRG, where you can take a minibus coming from Djumu and heading to Paramaribo (50 SRG, 1 hour and a half).

Keep in mind that if you want to take an excursion to Brownsberg Nature Reserve, without worrying about solving the above problems, several Travel Agencies offer a day trip to the Park in question, at the price of 65 Euros, including lunch, transport entrance.

The same agencies also organize half-day excursions on the Commewijne River, to see the Pink Belly Dolphins, departing on Wednesday at 16.00 from Leonsberg and returning at 19.30. The cost is 27.5 Euros and includes in addition to the boat transport, a guide who speaks English and Dutch, a snack on the boat, a snack and a short walk in a typical village of the area.

The taxi ride from Paramaribo to Leonsberg, 10 km northwest of the city, where the excursion to see the Dolphins begins, costs 30 SRG, but by bargaining strongly you can also reach 20 SRG.

To reach the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM), located in the Town of Zanderij, 45 km south of Paramaribo, during the day you can take a minibus from Heiligenweg, near the central market, for the price of 6 SRG. If, on the other hand, your flight is at night or early in the morning, you must book an Airport Shuttle through the hotel where you are staying, which will pick you up at the hotel about 4 and a half hours before the flight, at a price of 15 Euros or 75 SRG. A private taxi instead will cost 40 Euros. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2016/08/viaggio-in-colombia-aruba-curacao.html

CURACAO (HOLLAND) TRAVEL REPORT.

FIRST PART

Punctual as never before, my Airplane no. Leaves from Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (Holland) at 08.15. 7I 402 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes 1) Medellin - Aruba, 2) Aruba - Curacao, 3) Curacao - Georgetown (Guyana), 4 ) Paramaribo (Suriname) - Curacao, 5) Curacao - Caracas (Venezuela): USD 621.35).

I therefore arrive at 8.50 am, at the Hato International Airport in Curacao (The Netherlands), located about 20 km north-west of the capital Willemstad. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

A visa is not required to enter Curacao for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days. Instead, it is necessary to have a return flight ticket.

Please note that outside the Terminal of Hato International Airport in Curacao (30 meters to the right for those leaving the Arrivals Hall), it is possible to change money, but usually only in the afternoon. Having said this, it should be emphasized that even if Curacao's currency is the Dutch Antillean Guilder, the US dollar is accepted everywhere and therefore if you have dollars you don't need to change currency. Finally, I would like to point out that the rest is given in Fiorini.

From Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland), to reach the center of the capital Willemstad in an economical way, you need to exit the Arrivals Hall, turn right and walk for about 200 meters, pass the rent car desks and arrive at the bus stop, indicated by a small sign. Every half hour from 5.00 to 23.00 every day (less frequent on Saturdays and Sundays), buses and minibuses pass and go to the Otrobanda Bus Terminal (Willemstad) or, less frequently, to Punda ( Willemstad). You can pay the driver in USD Dollars (2.0 for minibuses and 1.5 for Buses). The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Willemstad, the capital of Curacao (Holland), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be explored on foot. Be careful after dark in the Otrobanda district.

To reach the beautiful town of Westpunt, located on the northwestern tip of Curacao Island, you need to take bus no. 9A departing from Otrobanda Bus Station from Monday to Sunday at 7.00, 9.00, 11.00, 13.15, 15.15, 17.15, 19.15 and 21.15. The journey takes about an hour and ends in the square in front of the Westpunt Church and Playa Grande, from which you can also walk to other interesting beaches in a few minutes. The trip costs 2.5 USD and is paid directly to the driver when boarding.

To return to Otrobanda from Westpunt, the bus times are: from Monday to Sunday at 8.00, 10.00, 12.00, 14.15, 16.15, 18.15, 20.15 and 22.15.

When you leave the country of Curacao, at Hato International Airport, you must pay an exit tax of 39 USD before going to the security check, Customs and Gate. This is never included in the air ticket and is reduced to 5 USD if you stay in the country for less than 24 hours.

SECOND PART

Punctual as never before, my plane no. 7I 702 of the Insel Air Company in the direction of Hato International Airport in Curacao (Holland), (price of the multi-leg ticket including taxes 1) Medellin - Aruba, 2) Aruba - Curacao, 3) Curacao - Georgetown (Guyana), 4 ) Paramaribo (Suriname) - Curacao, 5) Curacao - Caracas (Venezuela): USD 621.35).

I therefore arrive at 8.45 am, at the Hato International Airport in Curacao (The Netherlands), located about 20 km north-west of the capital Willemstad. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

A visa is not required to enter Curacao for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days. Instead, it is necessary to have a return flight ticket.

Willemstad, the capital of Curacao (Holland), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be explored on foot. Be careful after dark in the Otrobanda district.

To reach the beautiful town of Lagun, located on the northwestern part of the island of Curacao, you need to take bus no. 3C departing from Otrobanda Bus Station from Monday to Sunday at 6.30, 8.30, 10.30, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00, 19.00 and 21.00. The journey takes about an hour and you can ask the driver to drop you off in front of the beautiful Playa Lagun. The trip costs 2.5 USD and is paid directly to the driver when boarding.

To return to Otrobanda from Lagun, the bus timetables are: from Monday to Sunday at 7.30, 9.30, 11.30, 14.00, 16.00, 18.00, 20.00 and 22.00.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2016/08/viaggio-in-colombia-aruba-curacao.html

REPORT OF THE TRAVEL TO HAITI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, CAYMAN, JAMAICA, CUBA AND BAHAMAS.

Punctual as never before from Milan Malpensa at 13.00 my plane n. 1,045 of the Delta Air Lines Company (Operated by Alitalia) in the direction of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (USA), (multi-route ticket price including taxes from Malpensa to Santo Domingo and from Nassau to Malpensa with a stopover in New York: Euro 628.00).

Punctual arrival at 4.25 pm, at Terminal 1 of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (USA). There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

In order to set foot in the United States of America, I had to complete the quick online ESTA procedure by paying $ 14 by credit card. Entry into the country valid for 2 years was approved by the system immediately after the end of the online procedure which lasted about 1 hour.

The airport consists of 8 terminals connected to each other by a free train.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Punctual as never before, my Airplane no. 497 of the Delta Air Lines Company to the Las Americas International Airport of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes from Malpensa to Santo Domingo and from Nassau to Malpensa with a stopover in New York: Euro 628, 00).

I therefore arrive at 12.25 A.M., at Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), located about 22 km east of the city. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

A visa is not required to enter the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes and for a period of less than 60 days. In theory, before crossing the border it is necessary to buy a tourist card at a cost of USD 10 to be paid in American currency, even if I did not purchase it and I had no repercussions.

I slept in the aforementioned cold airport.

Then outside the Departures Hall I found a mototaxi which, at a cost of 20 USD, took me in 45 minutes to the Bus Station Capitalcoachline in Santo Domingo 455 Boulevard 27 de Febrero, in the El Million sector.

HAITI

The Bus from Santo Domingo of the Capitalcoachline company to Tabarre (Haiti) leaves every day at 8.00 and 10.00. The 10.00 am stop one hour later also in Petion Ville. The trip takes about 6 or 7 hours. Take into account that Haiti is an hour behind the Dominican Republic. The cost of the ticket is 40 USD, one way, 75 USD, round trip. It can also be purchased via the internet. Furthermore, once at the counter you have to pay 30 USD and 200 Dominican Pesos as a tax for crossing the border and hand in your passport. On the bus they offer you a sandwich, a can of juice and a half-liter bottle of water. The Terra Bus Company also offers the same service at more or less similar prices and timetables.

A visa is not required to enter Haiti for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days.

The Dominican border of Jimaní presents no difficulties. The Hostes del bus helps you to overcome the easy paperwork. The same thing happens to that of Haiti located in Malpass, about 2 km further west, partly at the Azuei Lake. In both cases you have to get off the bus and go to the border counter.

Money can be exchanged for black both in Jimaní, in the square of the confusing Dominican border (not recommended), and after that in Haiti, as they usually get on the bus of guys, who offer you the change of currency.

The Capitalcoachline Bus Station is located on Blvd 15 October in part at the American Embassy in Tabarre, a town located about 10 km northeast of the capital Port Au Prince. There, taxis are waiting to take you anywhere. In my case, the owner of the hotel picked me up for free.

In Haiti I slept at Le Tresor Hotel, located about 3 km from the aforementioned bus station, in Delmas in Delmas 75 Puits - blain 30 Ave Albert Jode prol 8. As there are no single rooms, the cost of a double per night is 26 USD. You can pay either in USD Dollars or in Gourde. The Hotel is very nice. There is also the bar. The area is dark at night and therefore it is not recommended to go out on foot after dark.

The hotel provided me with an off-road vehicle with driver, at a price of 90 USD per day, with which I visited Port Au Prince, Petionville, Fermathe, Kenscoff and Furcy.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Bus from Tabarre (Haiti) to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) of the Capitalcoachline company leaves every day at 8.00 and 10.00. The 10.00 am starts an hour earlier also from Petion Ville. The trip takes about 6 or 7 hours. Take into account that Haiti is an hour behind the Dominican Republic. The cost of the ticket is 40 USD, one way, 75 USD, round trip. It can also be purchased via the internet. In addition, once at the counter you have to pay 10 USD as a tax for crossing the Dominican border and then go to the adjacent Desk where the Haitian stamp on exit is affixed to the passport. and finally deliver the Passport. On the bus they offer you a sandwich, a can of juice and a half-liter bottle of water. The Terra Bus Company also offers the same service at more or less similar prices and timetables.

A visa is not required to enter the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes and for a period of less than 60 days. In theory, before crossing the border it is necessary to purchase a tourist card at a cost of USD 10 to be paid in American currency.

The Haiti border at Malpasse, partly at Lake Azuei, presents no difficulties. La Hostes del bus will take care of the easy bureaucratic procedures. Same thing happens to the Dominican one located in Jimaní, about 2 km further east .. Only in the Dominican one you have to get off the bus and go to the border counter.

Money can be exchanged for black both before the Haiti border, as they usually get on the bus of the guys, who offer you the change of currency, and in the square of the confused Dominican border of Jimaní (not recommended),

From the Bus Station Capitalcoachline located in Santo Domingo 455 Boulevard 27 de Febrero, in the El Million sector, to reach the colonial area, 5 km to the west, there are taxi drivers who offer for 10 USD to take you near Plaza Espana. By negotiating decisively it is possible to pay up to 200 Dominican Pesos. There are also public cars, priced at 25 pesos, which pass along Boulevard 27 de Febrero heading towards the colonial area but it is not an easy choice to implement especially after sunset and you have a lot of luggage with you, also because you have to take some. 2, because you have to change.

In Santo Domingo I slept at Island Life Backpackers' Hostel, located in Calle Isabel La Catolica # 356, in the Colonial Zone, 200 meters away. about from Piazza di Spagna - Email: info@islandlifebackpackershostel.com

The structure is well managed by a group of Germans. The 12 bed dorms are extremely comfortable and clean. There is a computer to use for free with internet connection, bar, kitchen, TV room, kitchen, courtyard, breakfast included.

The cost per night is 15 USD. You can pay in USD Dollars or in Dominican Pesos.

The Colonial area is safe and well guarded by the tourist police and therefore you can walk freely without danger both day and night.

To go to Punta Cana from Santo Domingo, it is possible to take first class buses that depart far from the colonial area and therefore it is an uncomfortable choice as it is necessary to reach the departure bus station by taxi.

It is more convenient and economical to walk from the Colonial area, crossing China Town, to the nearby Parque Enriquillo (be careful after sunset as the area is not safe), where second-class buses leave from the south side of the area for Punta Cana. The frequency of the same is low and therefore the best solution is to opt for the numerous buses to Higuey, where then it is necessary to change and take a minibus to Punta Cana. The trip from Santo Domingo to Higuey takes approximately 2 hours. The ticket can be taken on the bus and costs 250 Dominican Pesos.

The Gua - Guas for Bàvaro and Punta Cana leave when full from two Terminals located side by side in Av. De la Libertad, after Calle Luperòn (reachable from the center by a motor taxi for 100 Dominican Pesos, or storing a passage to a bus coming from Santo Domingo). If you want to go to El Cortecito (75 Dominican Pesos, pay before getting off) you need to get off at Verón and take another Gua - Guas for 40 Dominican Pesos.

From the Bàvaro Bus Station (Punta Cana), located in Friusa, near the Texaco petrol station (reachable from El Cortecito with frequent Gua - Guas at the price of 30 Dominican Pesos), 2 km Kilometers from El Cortecito beach, several buses depart , of the Sitrabapu Company, for La Romana. The trip takes about 1 hour. The ticket can be taken on the bus and costs 215 Dominican Pesos.

Alla Romana you can go down near the Obelisk or the Parque Centrale.

To go to the Cueva de Las Maravillas, it is first necessary to reach the Sichoem Bus Station, located on the western outskirts of La Romana, which can be reached by asking for a ride on one of the many Sichoem buses, which pass by Parque Centrale.

From the Sichoem Bus Station de La Romana, many minibuses leave every day, when full, for San Pedro de Macorìs, which on request stop on the motorway in front of the entrance to the Cueva de Las Maravillas. The journey lasts a short half hour. You pay 50 Pesos before going down. From there to reach the ticket office of the caves it is necessary to walk less than half a kilometer.

The Cueva de Las Maravillas is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 to 17.15. The cost of the ticket is 300 Dominican Pesos, which also includes the obligatory guide. We move in groups of about 10 people. Photographs cannot be taken inside. There are many stairs to go down and an elevator to go up. The visit lasts about an hour.

To go to San Pedro de Macorìs, from the entrance to La Cueva de Las Maravillas, the matter becomes complicated because buses and minibuses do not stop there, but at a stop located on the highway 1 km more to the west. To reach it I asked a gentleman with a motorcycle who worked in the caves for a ride. I paid 20 Pesos. From there it is necessary to stop the buses coming from La Romana, which charge 30 Pesos to reach San Pedro de Macorìs. If you want, the Santo Domingo buses also pass by, which in any case stop in San Pedro de Macorìs.

In San Pedro de Macorìs, from a bus station located about 1 km west of the Estadio Vargas, many minibuses leave for Santo Domingo every day when they are full. The journey takes an abundant hour. You pay 120 Pesos before going to the appropriate desk. It makes several stops, the last of which is perhaps the most interesting for tourists because it is that of the Parque Indipendencia near Calle El Conde and therefore in the colonial area.

The taxi from the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo to Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), located about 22 km east of the city, costs 1,000 Dominican Pesos.

JAMAICA

With about 2 hours delay my plane no. 1 leaves from Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) at 12.00. JY0624 of the Inter Caribbean Company in the direction of Providenciales International Airport (Turks and Caicos), (price of a one-way ticket from Santo Domingo to Kingston, with a stop in Port Au Prince (Haiti) and stopover in Providenciales (Turks and Caicos): USD 264.32).

On the small 16-seat plane, from Santo Domingo to Port Au Prince there were only 4 people, plus pilot and co-pilot and no hostess. From Port Au Prince (Haiti) to Providenciales (Turks and Caicos), it was full.

Punctual arrival at 2.20 pm at Providenciales International Airport (Turks and Caicos). There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

A visa is not required to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands (British Overseas Territory) for tourism reasons. The customs declaration form must be completed. In this airport there is no transit area and therefore as soon as you arrive at the border area, the passport control officer will call the attendant who will accompany you to the security control area passing through the outside of the small airport but without receiving the entry stamp in the passport.

Punctually it leaves from Providenciales International Airport (Turks and Caicos). at 4.15 pm my plane no. JY0250 of the Inter Caribbean Company in the direction of the Normal Manley International Airport of Kingston (Jamaica), (one-way ticket price from Santo Domingo to Kingston, with a stop in Port Au Prince (Haiti) and stopover in Providenciales (Turks and Caicos): USD 264.32).

I therefore arrive at 16.55 at Normal Manley International Airport in Kingston (Jamaica), located about 27 km south-east of Downtown. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

A visa is not required to enter Jamaica for tourism purposes and for a period of up to 90 days. In theory, they might ask you for your return ticket just as I did. The Customs Declaration Form must be completed before going to the Passport Control Post.

Currency exchange at the aforementioned airport is highly disadvantageous. The best solution is to change money at one of the many banks located in New Town on Knutsford Bulevard.

From Normal Manley International Airport in Kingston (Jamaica), located about 27 km south-east of Downtown, the cheapest way to get to the center of Kingston is to take bus no. 98 which runs every half hour from Parade, the central square of Downtown to Port Royal, passing through the aforementioned airport. The cost of the ticket is 100 J $. You pay the driver as you get on. The journey takes about half an hour.

In Parade, the central square of Downtown, several buses, collective taxis, minibuses for different parts of the city leave both north and south, but the most numerous buses are those that go to the Tree Bus Terminal located in Uptown, such as indicated on the front of the same. The cost of the ticket is 100 J $. You pay the driver as you get on. From there you can then take a minibus or collective taxi to your final destination.

For those who come to Parade like me in the evening, the confusion of the same, not knowing the place makes everything more difficult. In the end, I opted to take a shared taxi which for J $ 500 took me to The Durham Hotel, located at 4 Durham Avenue in Kingston's Up Town, about 1.5 km northeast of the Bob Marley Museum. 10 USD is charged for a bed in a tent. Very nice, with kitchen, garden, bar. Too bad the location is a bit out of the way, even if in a quiet area.

If you want to go to Dowtown from there, you need to walk 300m. to Hope Road and take one of the many minibuses (J $ 100) bound for the Tree Bus Terminal, where numerous Downtown buses depart for Parade. The bus. n. 83 for example connects the Tree Bus Terminal, with the Parade in Downtown, passing through Emancipation Park, in New Kingston.

Kingston, the capital of Jamaica is a dangerous city and it is good to know that the safe areas at least during the day are the Parade and New Kingston.

To enter the Bob Marley museum, located on Hope Road, open from 9.00 onwards, you need to pay 25 USD or the equivalent in Jamaican dollars. The price includes the guided tour.

If you intend to visit the beautiful and small Port Royal, you need to take the bus from North Parade to Downtown of Kingston. n. 98. The cost of the ticket is 100 J $. You pay the driver as you get on. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. This bus also stops at Kingston Manley International Airport.

The very quiet Port Royal can be easily explored on foot. The most important attraction to visit is Fort Charles. Entrance fee: J $ 250.

To reach Port Antonio, a quiet town, located on the north - east coast of Jamaica, you need to take a Minibus, which station just outside (to the north) of the Tree Bus Terminal. It starts when it is super full. The cost of the ticket is 450 J $. The clerk collects the money after you leave. The trip takes about 2 hours. The minibus in question makes stops on request without any problems. It passes x Annotto Bay, Buff Bay, Orange Bay, Hope Bay and Snow Hill.

Port Antonio is one of the safest cities in Jamaica and therefore you can walk downtown without problems both day and night.

In Port Antonio, I slept at the Porty Hostel, located

at 33A East Palm Avenue, in a quiet residential area abundant 1km southeast of the transportation center. It is a Guesthouse house well managed by the Italian Stefano. The price of a bed in a dormitory is 19 USD, per night or the equivalent in Jamaican dollars. Also included is free internet and use of the shared kitchen. For a fee breakfast.

To reach the famous Blue Lagoon, located just 7km east of Port Antonio, you need to take one of the many Route Taxis that travel the coast between Port Antonio and Long Bay every day. They depart from the transportation center and go to Allan Ave. The cost of the service is J $ 100. You pay the driver before getting off. The journey takes less than a quarter of an hour.

The Blue Lagoon is state-owned and therefore in theory it should be free to access, even if you are often approached by guys asking you for up to 10 USD, as happened to me. With strong bargaining, you can get by by paying only J $ 200.

To reach the famous Winnifred Beach, located just 13km east of Port Antonio, you need to take one of the many Route Taxis that travel the coast between Port Antonio and Long Bay every day. They depart from the transportation center and go to Allan Ave. The cost of the service is J $ 150. You pay the driver before getting off. The journey takes less than 20 minutes. Get off at the small village of Fairy Hill and take the dirt road on the left for about a quarter of an hour, which first descends adjacent to elegant villas and then through the woods to the beautiful Winnifred Beach. There are no signs indicating the beach in question and therefore always keep to the main road ignoring the deviations that you encounter.

To reach the very famous and beautiful Reach Falls, located south-east of Port Antonio, it is necessary to take one of the numerous minibuses heading to St Thomas that every day travel along the coast between Port Antonio and Manchioneal. They depart, when full, from the transportation center and go to Allan Ave. The cost of the service is J $ 230. You pay the driver before getting off. The journey takes about less than 45 minutes. Get off at the small village of Manchioneal and walk uphill on an asphalted road for 3 km to the aforementioned waterfalls. It is also possible to take a kind of taxi asking some of the characters waiting for tourists at the crossroads. They will ask you for J $ 400 but by bargaining hard you can pay J $ 250.

The entrance fee to the Reach Falls is J $ 1,140 or USD 10 and it is also possible to rent tight-fitting shoes to avoid slipping on the falls. The guide is also included in the above price. To visit the falls it is necessary to be in costume or in a wetsuit and make a lot of effort as you have to go up the various pools that form the falls. To forget the idea of visiting the falls without getting your feet wet. Impossible.

In Port Antonio in Jamaica, from the Transportation Center located in the center, on the seafront, near the Texaco petrol station, many minibuses leave every day, when full, for Ocho Rios. The journey takes about an hour and a half. You pay 500 JMD before getting off the bus. It makes stops on request and ends the ride at the Ocho Rios Transportation Center, located on Evelyn Road.

From the Ocho Rios Transportation Center, located on Evelyn Road, to reach Main Street, which is the Mall Street and the liveliest street in the whole City, you need to walk for a few minutes, paying attention to when you pass the area. Ocho Rios Market, especially after dark.

In Ocho Rios I slept at the Reggae Hostel, located in Pier View Complex, 19 Main Street, at a cost of 25 USD, for a bed in a mixed dormitory. Very nice and clean. A computer with internet is available for free to customers as well as the use of the kitchen.

After dark, make sure you go out on your own even in downtown Ocho Rios.

From the Ocho Rios Transportation Center, located on Evelyn Road, several minibuses leave for Montego Bay every day when full. To reach Falmouth you need to take one of these. The journey takes about an hour. You pay JMD 350 before getting off the bus.

Minibas pass from downtown Falmouth to the Montego Bay Transportation Center, located on Barnet Street, at the southern end of St. James Street. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. You pay JMD 300 before getting off the bus.

From the Montego Bay Transportation Center, located on Barnet Street, at the southern end of St. James Street, numerous minibuses leave for Lucea every day when full. The journey lasts a scant hour. You pay JMD 230 before getting off the bus.

From the Lucea Transport Center, located near the market and the sea at 300 meters. approximately from Sir Alexander Bustamante Square Barnet, several Route Taxu leave for Negril every day when full. The journey lasts a scant hour. You pay 300 JMD before going down. There are no Minubus and Buses between Montego Bay, Lucea and Negril.

In Negril, you can get off at Long, Bay, or Negril Square. To get around Negril you can take the numerous route taxis at the price of JMD;

Montego Bay, the 2nd largest city in Jamaica is not too safe and it is good to know that the safe areas at least during the day are Sam Sharpe Square in Downtown and Gloucester Ave in the north.

From the Montego Bay Transportation Center, located on Barnet Street, at the southern end of St. James Street, I took a 500 JMD shared taxi to the Chill Mobay Guest House, located on Lot 5a Oscar Terrace, right on the headland adjacent to the international airport.

In Montego Bay I slept at the Chill Mobay Guest House, located in Lot 5a Oscar Terrace, right on the promontory adjacent to the international airport, at a cost of 25 USD, for a bed in a male dormitory. Very nice, clean and well managed by a Finnish Girl. From there, Donald Sangster International Airport (located 4 km north of Downtown) can be reached in 10 minutes on foot, first along a slippery downhill path and then the main road.

CUBA

Punctual leaves from Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (Jamaica) at 10.00 my plane no. KX621 of the Cayman Airways Company to Grand Cayman International Airport (Cayman Islands), (one-way ticket price from Montego Bay to Havana, with a stopover in Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands): USD 277.00).

Punctual arrival at 10.55 am at Grand Cayman International Airport (Cayman Islands). There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

To enter the Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory) for tourism reasons, a visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. The customs declaration form must be completed. There is no screen at this airport to see if your flight is on time.

To reach the center of George Town from the airport, the capital of the Cayman Islands, located 4 km west, or you can take a taxi at a cost of 15 USD, or you have to go outside the airport area and take minibus n. 4b or by walking for about 1 km towards the center, minibus n. 2b. The cost is 2.5 USD. You pay before you get off. The remainder is given in KYD. Anyway all minibuses head to the Terminal located in Edward Street, near Heroes Square.

With a 5-hour delay my plane no. 1 leaves from Grand Cayman International Airport (Cayman Islands) at 6.30 pm. KX832 of the Cayman Airways Company in the direction of the José Marti International Airport of Havana (Cuba), (price of one-way ticket from Montego Bay to Havana, with a stopover in Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands): USD 277.00).

Arrival 5 hours late, at 19.30, of the José Marti International Airport of Havana (Cuba), located 25 km southwest of the center of Havana. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

To enter Cuba, for tourism reasons, up to 30 days, it is necessary to be in possession, before arriving in Cuba, of the tourist tarjeta and to obtain it you must personally present yourself at the Consulate, located in Milan in Via Pirelli, 30, not far from the Central Railway Station, open from Monday to Thursday, from 9.00 to 12.00, with passport, return flight booking, hotel or casa particular booking for the first night. The cost of the visa is 22 €. The tarjeta turística is released the same day.

The staff of the Milan Consulate is extremely slow and it is always crowded and therefore you have to take into account that you will lose an entire morning.

A much faster method, albeit a little more expensive (25 Euros instead of 22 Euros), is to contact a visa agency. In Milan it is located just below the Consulate (www.cubapoint.it). Among other things, the same agency is also open in the afternoon and on Saturdays and also issues the visa instantly. The assistant has you fill in the Tourist Tarjeta in both parts and hands it over to you, after paying 25 Euros and without asking you for your air ticket or hotel reservation. By doing this you save a lot of time by paying only 3 Euros more than what the Consulate requires.

As of May 1, 2010, all travelers, foreigners and Cubans residing abroad, upon entering the country, must necessarily have an insurance policy that also covers any medical expenses to be incurred on the island. The policy must be issued by insurance entities recognized in Cuba (see list of companies published on the website www.asistur.cu) and can in any case also be purchased at the border at the price of 1 CUC per day, through Cuban insurance companies. In this regard, it should be noted that the Cuban institution responsible for assisting tourism, with particular regard to the medical-health aspect, is ASISTUR which normally operates in a timely and efficient manner. However, it should be noted that the speed and quality of the service provided by ASISTUR depend on the relationship that this same entity has with the chosen insurance company, on the type of policy underwritten and on the promptness with which the latter guarantees the reimbursement of expenses to the entity. to support.

The Travel Policy Sicuri.com is also accepted as the staff in charge of the stipulation reiterated by email that the Cuban Consulate in Italy has communicated that all insurance companies are valid for the Cuban Government, except those American. The Safe Travel policy is underwritten by Europäische Reiseversicherung AG, a German company with its head office in Munich. Therefore Safe Travel policies are valid and accepted for your trip to Cuba.

At the border of the José Marti International Airport in Havana, I handed over the tourist tarjeta, which was stamped and divided into 2. A half was returned to me which must be returned before leaving the country. Instead, I was not asked for the insurance policy, which is mandatory by law.

Then I handed the Customs declaration to the clerk, who let me pass without checking my hand luggage, the only one in my possession.

Two currencies circulate in Cuba, the Cuban peso (CUP), also known as the national currency, and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC), which is equivalent to the US dollar. The ratio between the CUC and the CUP, for natural persons, is 1 to 24. Most goods and services can however be purchased exclusively in convertible pesos.

Circulation of US dollars (USD) in cash is not permitted. If exchanged in the bank, they suffer a further increase of 10% in addition to bank charges for exchange transactions.

However, the CUC is the so-called tourist currency as with this currency services are purchased at prices similar to those in Europe and you cannot pay for buses, cheap restaurants, ect.

It is therefore advisable to have both coins and understand with a little intuition which coin to use. It's not that trivial.

In the Departures Hall it is possible to exchange money, not US dollars and it is possible to have only Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). The exchange rate is very disadvantageous: 1 Euro = 1.04 CUC.

I took a taxi to reach the uncomfortable Viazul Bus Station, located on the corner of Calle 26 and Zoologico, 3 km southwest of Revolution Square. I shared it with 2 other Swiss tourists. In the end he asked us for 40 CUC, but I, in agreement with my traveling companions, paid 10 CUC. The journey took about 40 minutes.

Getting around Cuba is not as easy as in other countries. Transport is not as efficient and frequent and there are many limitations for tourists and so I opted to travel with the most reliable and expensive bus company in Cuba, Viazul, which even allows you to book the ticket via the Internet, but only up to one week before the trip. However, once you have printed the ticket you still have to go, one hour before departure, to the Viazul Desk of the Bus Station, to check in online, which allows you to print the actual ticket which you will then deliver to the driver first to get on the bus. Viazul Buses usually have a bathroom in tow, but they don't offer you food or water. Sometimes they break and arrive late at their destination.

To reach Santiago de Cuba from Havana (about 800 km journey), there are 3 Viazul buses a day that depart at 6.30, 15.00 and 00.30 and arrive after about 15 hours and 30 '. The bus stops at various intermediate destinations, almost all of which are touristic. The cost of the ticket is 51 CUC.

The Viazul Bus Station is located together with the railway station 2 km north of the historic center, which can be reached by paying 4 CUC for a taxi or 20 CUP for a motor taxi. To reach the Castle of La Roca del Moro, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco and located on top of a promontory 60 meters high, at the entrance to the port of Santiago de Cuba, 10 km southwest of the city, I hired a taxi that for 12 CUC, took me to the aforementioned castle, waited for me for an hour to allow me to visit it and finally brought me back to the historic center of Santiago de Cuba.

The entrance to the Castle of La Roca del Moro, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, costs 4 CUC. The castle is open every day from 8.00 to 19.30.

The historic center of Santiago de Cuba appears safe even in the evening and can be easily explored on foot.

To reach Camagüey from Santiago de Cuba, there are 3 Viazul buses a day that depart at 6.30, 16.00 and 00.30 in the direction of Havana and which also stop in Camagüey after about 6 hours. The cost of the ticket is 18 CUC.

The Viazul Bus Station, the Alvaro Barba Bus Station, of Camagüey, is located 3 km south-east of the historic center, which can be reached by paying 3 or 4 CUC for a taxi or 0.20 CUP for the bus you take. on the main road and drops you off at the Casino Campestre on the eastern edge of the historic center. Remember that on local buses, CUCs are not accepted, only CUPs and that it is not possible to have change. You put the coin in the special box as you go up.

The historic center of Camagüey, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, appears safe only during the day and can be easily explored on foot. After sunset, pay close attention.

To reach Santa Clara from Camagüey, there are 3 Viazul buses a day that depart at 6.30, 14.25 and 23.45 in the direction of Havana and which also stop in Santa Clara after about 5 hours and 30 '. The cost of the ticket is 15 CUC.

The Terminal de Omnibus Nacionales of Santa Clara, where the Viazul buses also depart and arrive, is located 500 meters away. north of the monument to Che, on the Carretera Centrale, 2.5 km west of Parque Vidal, which can be reached by paying 2 or 3 CUC for a taxi or 0.20 CUP for the bus that takes you on the main road and leaves you right at Parque Vidal. Remember that on local buses, CUCs are not accepted, only CUPs and that it is not possible to have change. You put the coin in the special box as you go up.

To sleep in Santa Clara on a budget it is possible to stay in one of the particular houses, located around Parque Vidal, at a minimum cost of 20 CUC, for a double without breakfast.

The historic center of Santa Clara appears safe even in the evening and can be easily explored on foot.

To reach Cienfuegos from Santa Clara, I took the 11.25 am Viazul bus in the direction of Trinidad which also stops in Cienfuegos after 1 hour and 30 '. The cost of the ticket is 6 CUC.

The Cienfuegos Bus Station, where the Viazul Buses also depart and arrive, is located at the intersection of Calle 49 and Av 56, about 1.5 km east of Parque Josè Marti, which can therefore be reached on foot.

To sleep in Cienfuegos on a low budget, it is possible to stay in one of the particular houses, located all over the historic center, at a minimum cost of 20 CUC, for a double without breakfast.

The historic center of Cienfuegos appears safe even in the evening and can be easily explored on foot.

If, on the other hand, from Cienfuegos you want to reach Punta Gorda, you can take Bus n. 1 that passes in Calle 37, with the frequency of about every hour, or on a kind of Rickshaw at a cost of 2 CUC.

To reach Varadero from Cienfuegos, there are 3 Viazul buses a day that depart at 9.15, 10.00 and 17.45 in the direction of Havana and which also stop in Varadero after about 4 hours and 30 '. The cost of the ticket is 16 CUC.

The Terminal de Omnibus of Varadero, where the Viazul Buses also depart and arrive, is located in Varadero Est, at the intersection of Calle 36 and Autopista Sur, 1 km abundantly southwest of the Parque Central, which can therefore be reached on foot .

Varadero is the most touristic and exclusive area in all of Cuba, where there are fabulous beaches, shopping centers, luxury hotels and resorts and where therefore finding cheap accommodation is not so easy but with a little commitment you can also find it in 30 CUC.

Varadero looks safe even in the evening.

To reach Matanzas from Varadero, there are 3 Viazul buses a day that depart at 12.00, 16.00 and 19.35 in the direction of Havana and which also stop in Matanzas after about 1 hour. The cost of the ticket is 6 CUC.

The Matanzas National Bus Station, where the Viazul Buses also depart and arrive, is located on Calle 131, at the intersection with Calle 272, an abundant 1 km south of Plaza de la Vigia, which can therefore be reached on foot.

To sleep in Matanzas, spending little, it is possible to stay in one of the particular houses, located in the historic center, at a minimum cost of 20 CUC, for a double without breakfast.

The historic center of Matanzas appears safe at least during the day and can be easily explored on foot.

To reach Havana from Matanzas, there are 3 Viazul buses a day that depart at 1.10pm, 5.10pm and 8.45pm from Varadero. The trip takes about 2 hours. The cost of the ticket is 7 CUC.

Keep in mind that this bus ends its journey to Havana at the inconvenient Viazul Bus Station, located on the corner of Calle 26 and Zoologico, 3 km southwest of Revolution Square, but also stops first in Habana Vieja on Calle Cuba , where Rickshaws and Taxis await you offering disproportionate prices to take you to the Hotel. In the end, being 11.00 pm, I agreed to be taken by rickshaw for the price of 4 CUC to Hostal Peregrino in Calle Industria, after a ruthless bargaining. Had it been day I would have gone on foot, since it was less than 1 km away.

Hostal Peregrino gave me a double room in a particular house without breakfast for the price of 20 CUC.

Habana Vieja, you can easily go around on foot and appear safe both day and night.

To reach the José Marti International Airport of Havana (Cuba), located 25 km south-west of the center of Havana, spending only 1 CUP, you need to take Bus no. 12, which leaves every half hour on the road west of the Parque de la Fraternidad, in the direction of Santiago de Las Vegas, along AV Simon Bolivar, Av Salvador Allende, Av de Carlos de Made Cespedes and Av Boyeros. From here it will be necessary to walk over 1 km to reach Terminal 2 and 2 km to reach Terminal 3. For Terminal 1, instead get off at the next stop. Ask the driver when to get off as if you don't know the area it's not all that intuitive.

BAHAMAS

With 1 hour delay my plane no. 2 leaves from Terminal 2 of José Marti International Airport in Havana (Cuba) at 2.15pm. UP212 of the Bahamas Air Company to Lynden Pindling International Airport in New Providence (Bahamas), (one-way ticket price: USD 183.00).

Arrival at 3.15 pm, at Lynden Pindling International Airport in New Providence (Bahamas), located 16 km west of Downtown Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

To enter the Bahamas for tourism purposes, a visa is not required for up to 90 days of stay. The customs declaration form must be completed. Keep in mind that baggage checks are very thorough. They make you open all your bags.

Note that the Bahamian dollar ("B $"; ISO 4217 code "BSD") has been the national currency of Bahamas since 1966. It is usually denoted by the dollar sign $ or alternatively with B $ to distinguish it from other currencies that they are called dollar. It is divided into 100 cents. The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a one-to-one rate, so you can use the US dollar to pay for anything, but beware that the rest is given to you in Bahamian Dollars.

The cheapest way to get to Downtown Nassau from Lynden Pindling International Airport in New Providence (Bahamas), located 10 miles west, is to exit the Arrivals Hall, turn left and walk on the road that runs towards north - east and that leads outside the airport area. You arrive after 500 meters. abundant at a roundabout on John F. Kennedy Street. Not far away you can see a Shell petrol station. Keep in mind that from that roundabout, minibus no. 12b, which at a price of 2.5 USD, will take you in about 40 minutes to Downtown Nassau and precisely to W Bay Street, in front of Mc Donald's, where buses no. 10 headed to Cable Beach. Wave your hand to stop the Minibus. You pay the driver before getting off.

As we know, Nassau costs a lot of money and the cheapest hotel in the city is the Orchard Garden Hotel, located on Village Road, about 4 km east of Downtown. The cost of a bed in a dormitory is 35 USD per night including breakfast which can be served from 8.00 to 10.00 and including use of the swimming pool. The Hotel is made up of many small houses. In itself it is not bad even if the location is not particularly advantageous and the cleanliness of the rooms is certainly not sufficient make it a less frequented accommodation for travelers. However, the Hotel can be reached from the Bay Street stop 200 meters. east from the intersection with East Street in Downtown, taking minibus no. 11 or 19 which stops on Village Road right in front of the Orchard Garden Hotel entrance. The aforementioned buses run every day from 6.00 to 19.00. The journey takes 10 minutes from Dwntown to the Hotel and 25 minutes from the Hotel to Doewntown as the minibuses in question make a loop. Wave your hand to stop the Minibus. You pay the driver 1.25 USD before getting off.

Although thousands of tourists disembarking from cruise ships visit Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas every day, it is not too safe a city. During the day you can walk freely almost anywhere, possibly avoiding the Over the Hill area, where murders are commonplace. After sunset, however, it is necessary to be very careful a little everywhere.

For those who need to find a computer to surf the internet, keep in mind that in Downtown Nassau, on the corner of Cumberiand Street and King Street, there is an internet point managed by the City, open every day from 6.00 to 19.00 which allows unlimited free use of computers with internet.

Paradise Island is the island of entertainment and luxury adjacent to Nassau. Here everything costs forever, but with a little luck you can visit it without paying a dollar. It is connected to the port of Nassau with scheduled ferries at a cost of 4 USD, one way or 8 USD round trip, but it can also be reached on foot using the 2 bridges over 1 km long that connect it with the mainland . To begin with, you can visit the Village full of shops, then enter the Atlantic by visiting the Casino. Cross it all the way and exit right onto the gardens, with a beautiful view of the lagoon. Turn left and walk along the paths until you find a flight of stairs that descends into the aquarium. I also visit the aquarium, return to the gardens and go to the water park. Take a look and then continue to the Cay delfin where you can admire the dolphins playing with the bathers. All this can be done for free. If, on the other hand, you want to use swimming pools, slides, play with Dolphins, ect., You have to pay an ocean of dollars.

In New Providence, cycling is not recommended because the traffic is heavy, the streets are narrow and dangerous and because there is no cycling culture and motorists do not respect them that much. But if you really care as much as I do, keep in mind that the only place to rent a bicycle is the Cycles Unlimited shop, located in Nassau at Mackey Street n. 53. The minimum cost of renting a bicycle is USD 26.88. The tour of the island is about 70 km.

Punctual as never before leaves Nassau at 12.39 my plane no. 497 of the Delta Air Lines Company in the direction of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (USA), (price of the multi-route ticket including taxes from Malpensa to Santo Domingo and from Nassau to Malpensa with a stopover in New York: Euro 628, 00).

Arrival on time at 3.47 pm, at Terminal 2 of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (USA). There are 6 hours of time zone, compared to Italy.

The airport consists of 8 terminals connected to each other by a free train.

Punctual as never before from Terminal 2 of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (USA) at 19.00 my plane no. 372 of the Delta Air Lines Company in the direction of Malpensa International Airport, (multi-route ticket price including taxes from Malpensa to Santo Domingo and from Nassau to Malpensa with a stopover in New York: Euro 628.00).

Therefore, I arrive at 8.25 A.M., at Malpensa International Airport.

My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:

http://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2017/07/viaggio-ad-haiti-repubblica-dominicana.html